Riviera Beach Plans New Aquatics Center and Aquatics Programming Partnerships

The City of Riviera Beach is taking significant steps to address the loss of its water park by enhancing its aquatics programming and planning for a new aquatic center. During the Planning and Zoning Board meeting on August 14, 2025, City Manager Jonathan Evans outlined a comprehensive strategy to ensure residents continue to have access to aquatic activities despite the closure of the existing facility.

To bridge the gap, the city is partnering with local homeowners' associations (HOAs) to utilize their pool facilities for programs such as swim lessons and water aerobics. This initiative, dubbed "Swim on the Go," aims to provide residents with continued access to aquatic services. Additionally, the city is negotiating an agreement with Rapids Waterpark, which will offer annual passes to residents who participate in or volunteer for parks and recreation programs. For those not involved in these programs, discounted annual and day passes will be available for purchase through the city.

Evans emphasized that the new arrangements would significantly expand service availability, with Rapids Waterpark operating approximately 200 days a year compared to the city's previous 65 days of aquatic services. Transportation will also be provided for children on Saturdays to facilitate access to the waterpark.

Looking ahead, the city is committed to constructing a new aquatic center that will integrate with existing parks and recreation facilities. This center will feature a splash pad, teaching pool, and recreation pool, although traditional water slides may be limited due to liability concerns. The city is currently seeking architectural proposals to design the new facility, which is expected to be operational within four years, as per an agreement with Palm Beach County.

Community engagement is a priority, with plans for additional meetings to gather input on the optimal location and features of the new aquatic center. The city aims to create a centralized recreational hub that enhances the overall experience for families and promotes community involvement in recreational activities.

As Riviera Beach moves forward with these initiatives, residents can look forward to expanded aquatic programming and the eventual return of a dedicated aquatic facility, ensuring that the community's recreational needs are met.